The Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers

The NHMRC Program in Cellular Microbiology actively endorses a publication produced by the Australian Academy of Science to address confusion created by contradictory information in the public domain. The publication can be downloaded here and sets out to explain the current situation in immunisation science, including where there is consensus in the scientific community and where uncertainties exist. The document is structured around six questions:

What is immunisation?

What is in a vaccine?

Who benefits from vaccines?

Are vaccines safe?

How are vaccines shown to be safe?

What does the future hold for vaccination?

The science of immunisation: questions and answers was prepared by a working group of eight members co-chaired by Professors Tony Basten AO FAA FTSE and Ian Frazer AC FAA FRS FTSE. The document was also reviewed by an oversight committee chaired by Sir Gus Nossal AO CBE FAA FRS FTSE. The Science of Immunization is endorsed by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian Medical Association.